(Image Credit: soundoff.network)

By Jett Schwaier

SMILE SUNDAY

Swift Current Broncos bus crash survivor Wilkie has released a podcast exploring trauma and recovery

Jan 18, 2026 | 5:00 AM

Former professional hockey player, Swift Current Bronco Bus crash survivor, and I Got Mind founder Bob Wilkie released the first three episodes of the “Tear Off the Tape” podcast.

The podcast produces unfiltered content that explores trauma, mental health, and recovery.

Wilkie said listening and trying to relate to people’s stories has helped him understand what the healing process looks like for many people.

“I find that it’s a very inspiring opportunity, gets people thinking more critically about where they’re at or maybe where someone in their household is at,” Wilkie said.

“How to start those conversations and really practice that vulnerability that all the guests are sharing.”

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Wilkie said hearing other people’s stories has also helped him relate to his experiences with the Swift Current Broncos bus crash.

“Being open and honest and putting your story out to the world takes a high degree of vulnerability, and that’s where so much of the strength that is required to heal,” Wilkie said.

“Everybody who’s going to be on this podcast has got an incredible story of overcoming some of life’s challenges,” he added.

“That’s what we’re constantly looking for, different guests so that other people can relate.”

The featured guest in the first episode of the podcast was former Humboldt Bronco and bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki, who shared his story while relating to Wilkie about their experiences.

“I met Ryan a couple of days after the accident in the hospital, and so we had a connection in that moment and over the years I’ve talked with him,” Wilkie said.

“Knowing his journey over the last several years, being where he’s at today just felt like it was going to be a huge benefit for a lot of people,” he added.

“Just a great opportunity for him to really share some in-depth insights into what he went through and how he got through things and what he’s learned to be happy and healthy today.”

Straschnitzki demonstrates a high level of perseverance through his work with the Straz Strong Foundation.

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READ: Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Straschnitzki gave a presentation to students in Medicine Hat

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Wilkie founded the I Got Mind organization in 2008 to teach the importance of self-care, accountability and compassion for one another in support of grassroots sports programs, communities and individuals.

The organization offers programs focusing on Youth Sport, Workplace Wellness and Education from a team of therapists, psychologists and other mental health professionals.

In September of 2025, the organization released the documentary “Sideways,” telling the story of Wilkie’s hockey career and the events before and after the Swift Current Broncos bus crash.

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READ: Free showings of Sideways documentary at Medicine Hat College

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The podcast can be streamed on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Sound Off Podcast Network.